Network printer hangs

[Lisa13]

We have a peer-peer network with 3 machines running Win 2k, networked through a D-Link router. 2 of the comps have local printers. Comp A only prints timely to its local printer. Comp B only prints timely to its local printer. Comp A and Comp B hang when trying to print to the network printer. It will print eventually, but you have to wait about 5 minutes for the print dialogue box to completely open, and then another 5-10 minutes for the document to print.

Comp C can print to either printer. All 3 computers can see and share files just fine.

This appeared after painting our office, which required unhooking everything. It was all put back exactly as originally, as we numbered all cables.

There was also a Windows update shortly after restoring the network. I have since uninstalled those upgrades, fearful that they were the problem. No fix.

So far I have tried:
Removed and reinstalled both printers,
both locally and network.
Removed printers, deleted drivers and reinstalled
(in case driver was corrupted).
Tried all combinations/options of both machines of:
Enable bidirectional support
Computer Browser
Enable NetBios over TCP/IP.

I have NOT changed print processor - currently is on WinPrint-RAW.

Security is set so ALL users are allowed all permissions.
Device Manager shows no conflicts/errors.

In the System Event Log, there are a lot of Remote Access Errors, and Print Warnings. In Application Event Log, there are 2 errors that repeat at least once per day: "FtpCtrs" and "userenv". I do not know the significance of these.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated, as the different printers are for different tasks.

Thanks, Lisa

 

[netmanrick]

1. Have you VERIFIED the printer(s) configuration(s)?
2. Can you Ping each printer via the network ?
3. Are these printer(s)connected to a pc via a parallel cable? I believe you said local printers,just checking.
4. Do the printers have a network(Jetdirect card) ?
5. This could be a spooling problem.

Rick Harris
SC Dept of Motor Vehicles
Network Operations

 

[Lisa13]

Rick:

1. I think I have, by my definition anyway, in Printer Properties, checking to make sure everything is as it has always been. And as it should be, by my limited experience.

2. I have read other people talking about "Ping" but I have no idea what this is or how to do it.

3. Both are parallel.

4. No network card in printers. They are: HP DeskJet 890C and HP LaserJet 1200se.

5. As far as spooling, I tried the following: In Administrative Tools-Services, stopping Print Spooler, deleting all files in WINNT/SYSTEM32/spool/drivers/w32x86/3, starting Print Spooler, restarting computer. Did this on both computers, but no change.

Thanks ever so much for your prompt response.

Lisa

 

[netmanrick]

Ping is a command to send traffic via a network to a Ip address or a named device.
Since your printers are parallel devices that will not work.
On the 2 pc's with parallel port printers: Check the BIOS
settings for the parallel port(try ECP setting). Have you defragged the disk(s) on these machines ?
Power off everything on your network(printers,pc's,routers,hubs,etc).Physically check all connections for connections(for the network disconnect each cable and reconnect it). Power up the D-link first;then 1 pc and it's printer;then another;etc.After each pc and printer has completed it's boot/post,print test pages to every printer from each pc.I'm trying to get a basic level of functionality going here.
after all this,try your normal printing. Hopefully this problem has been resolved.


Rick Harris
SC Dept of Motor Vehicles
Network Operations

 

[dbMark]

I'm not familiar with peer-to-peer networks, but your comment that the files eventully print after 5-20 minutes indicates some sort of communication is whacked. On Windows networks there could be a variety of causes including DNS issues and handshaking between server and computer.

The prior suggestion to reboot the computers after the router is booted is very good.

I'd also try IPCONFIG to reset the IP addresses in case that's the problem.
IPCONFIG /release
IPCONFIG /renew

Just in case, try this one too:
IPCONFIG /flushdns

dbMark

 

[dbMark]

Here's a few posts on other Tek-Tips forums such as the Windows 2000 forum where similar problems were encountered.

thread616-645745
thread616-91919
thread616-161901
faq616-800

 

[xeroxvendor]

Typical Peer to Peer networks are setup automaticaly with No IP address set. When using a router, hub, or switch, these settings are supposed to be handled by that device.

If you reboot any of these devices, the assigned address from your Dlink will most probally change. The best way to make sure this doesnt happen again is to verify the IP address of the network printer, and then add TCP/IP printing to each computer printing to a network printer(not connected through a pc)The printers connect via the computers won't need anything because they resolve through computer names.

In English, Goto each PC, and then printer properties of the printer driver. Check the port settings which should be TCP/IP or LAN. Put the IP address of the network printer into that driver. Save, and reboot. Now everytime you print to the network printer it will try to find it via its IP address and not using the D-Link to resolve the network request.

Let me know.

David Drury
Northeast Laser Image

 

[Lisa13]

David: How do I find the IP address of each printer?
Thanks, Lisa

 

[Lisa13]

Thank you all so much for your help. There was no result from powering EVERYTHING off (including router) then powering on one at a time. But while I was unplugging the power cord from the router I noticed a reset button (actually a hole that I used a paperclip to use).

Resetting the router solved the problem.

Happy New Year to All

Lisa